Recent content by PKDfan

Alright, that makes sense. Like I said, I was just annoyed about the level of hostility towards him - it didn't really seem appropriate, and it's not the first time I've seen something like that on this forum. Sorry about the sidebar, I'll let you all get back to your suggestions. :smile:

Fair enough. Still, what's so unlikely about them meaning to say "start with Spivak and then go to Lang" and getting mixed up? I'm not trying to be argumentative (no, really :-p), I'm genuinely curious what you think. Especially since they're apparently now banned...

I know, but I was thinking he might have gotten them mixed up. That seems like a more likely explanation than that he was somehow trying to impress the Internet by suggesting a high level book as an introduction :wink:. Anyways, I'm sorry for being sarcastic in my original post, but I didn't...

I was referring to Spivak's book. Yes, I'll admit I glossed over the Lang suggestion. Apparently that's the one that has you guys so pissed off, and I admit I'm not familiar with that book at all. When OP said "Analysis II", I assumed he meant something covering the material in Spivak's own...

I know, right? I can't believe someone would assume the OP has a background in math, just because they asked about an advanced mathematical subject! The nerve of some people... All sarcasm aside, I realize the OP said that they wanted to learn the subject because of it's applications to...

^I'm not participating in this poll, because I'm still in school. But I'm curious about something - if f95toli's response isn't an example of "Option 1", then what would be? I mean, I doubt any high schoolers (save a few prodigies, of course) are familiar enough with the details of a given field...

I'm learning linear algebra from this book (meaning no previous exposure to the subject) and so far I love it! I like how he has computational material/problems in additional to the very high-level abstract stuff. Makes the book feel very "balanced". Granted, I haven't gotten that far into it...

The link sends me to a book about chemistry ("Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes").

Since you have a software background, maybe look into cryptography/security related positions? A lot of that's based on number theory.

I've never read it, but Michael Spivak recently wrote a book called "Physics for Mathematicians". I'm not sure if it's what your looking for, but it might be worth checking out.

How To Prove It by Daniel Velleman is what I used to get acquainted with proofs. It's pretty good, but working through the whole book might be overkill. Definitely work through the first few chapters and the chapter on induction, though.

I just want to add in another recommendation for Spivak. I've already taken the standard Calc 1-3 sequence and I agree it can be quite boring. On the other hand, I'm working through Spivak right now and it's an absolute blast. It's very difficult at times, but it's extremely fun and rewarding.

Have you tried Amazon.com? I think they ship to Egypt. It could cost a lot, though, depending on where the seller's located.

Actually, there was a study recently that showed having a simple checklist significantly reduces death rates from surgery: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/health/20surgery.html?_r=0 Granted, this was for everyone in the operating room and might not be what you were talking about, but...

I've never understood why people at community colleges who are planning to transfer get AA or AS degrees. It doesn't help you get in, and as stated above you may need to take nontransferable or "useless" classes. Personally, I'm just taking classes that I know will transfer and that will satisfy...